We're halfway to saving members $5 million!We asked you to show us the rates on your loans from other lenders to see if we could save you money.

As of June, we've refinanced 669 loans for a
total savings to members of $2.4 million!

Our staff steps up to save YOU MONEY
Melanie Wilson, a Member Service Representative in our Thousand Oaks office, recently assisted a new member refinance her auto loan from a big bank. The member was so pleased she transferred all of her accounts to VCCU and has become a member for life.

Ivan Becerra, a Member Service Representative in Ventura who leads VCCU staff in the amount he has saved members shares this tip:

"I ask every member if they have a credit card, auto loan or mortgage and what their current rate is. Then I let them know about our rates and how I can help them save."

From the presidentTrust me, I know replacing a credit or debit card that's been lost, stolen, or accidentally run through the washer is a hassle. You have to notify the card issuer, they place a hold on the card, they ­reissue it, and you have a new PIN to memorize.

It's not fun, but we all know why it's necessary. You don't want the wrong people to have your card and use it to make fraudulent purchases.

At VCCU, protecting your financial privacy is our highest priority, and we do everything we can to keep your information safe. We use the most current encryption technology, we monitor transactions to identify red flags, and we take no chances. If we suspect something is wrong, we take swift and appropriate action.

Earlier this year, Visa U.S.A. identified many of their credit and debit cards, including some issued by VCCU, as being at risk for unauthorized transactions. We responded proactively and decisively by blocking and reissuing these credit and debit cards.

While we knew the inconvenience this caused, we could not take the chance of any of our members being victimized by identity thieves. Fortunately, the reissue went smoothly, and every affected member had a replacement card in about a week. Some members even took advantage of the instant-issue debit cards available in our offices.

This was part of a sweeping action initiated by Visa, but I assure you we are also on watch on an individual level. For example, if a member usually uses his or her debit card only in southern California, and then we suddenly see it being used across the country, that raises a red flag.

We may put a hold on the card until we can verify that our member is actually making those transactions.

There are things you can do to help prevent identity theft on an individual level; if you'replanning to travel out of the area, please let us know before you go. That way, when we see an out-of-town transaction, we know it's you.

Also, monitor your account; check your statement closely every month, or even better, log in to Quest Home Banking a couple times a week. If you see any transactions that you didn't make, let us know as soon as possible.

Another tip is to try to keep your card in view and never share your PIN with anyone.

As I said before, we are committed to protecting our members' privacy, and I want you to know that when we take actions such as issuing new cards, it is because it's the best way to protect you and your finances.

Financial decisions to make nowUsing Asset Allocation
When you allocate your assets, you decide-usually on a percentage basis-what portion of your total portfolio to invest in different asset classes, usually stock, bonds, and cash or cash equivalents. You can make these investments either directly by purchasing individual securities or indirectly by choosing funds that invest in those securities.

Start Planning for your Retirement
Contributing to a retirement plan, like a 401(k) or IRA, can mean the difference between a financially secure retirement and the possibility of running out of money. These plans offer tax benefits and the opportunity for your savings to compound over time. A financial advisor can discuss the many options. If you have a 401(k) plan at work, sign up today and start to save.

Estate Planning Defined
Estate planning is the process of determining how your belongings, property and assets will be distributed in the event of your passing or if you ever become unable to manage them for yourself. Ask yourself this question: Do you own something of value that you wish to pass on to someone one day? If you answered "yes" then you and your heirs will likely benefit from some basic estate planning.

Do I Need a Will?
A will, the cornerstone of any good estate plan, is a document that allows you to clearly spell out who is to receive your personal property upon your passing. Leaving this duty to your children, a spouse or the courts after you're gone means that your wishes may not be fulfilled. Depending on how complicated your situation, you may also require legal, financial and tax advice.

Beneficiary Designation
One critical piece of planning includes making sure you successfully transfer your assets to your designated beneficiaries. Changes in your family situation, which may include a marriage, divorce or birth/adoption of a child, make the regular review of your beneficiary designations a necessity. Knowing that your assets will go to the intended loved ones can bring you peace of mind.

Consult a Financial Professional
Given the many components of a proper estate plan, making sure you have all the pieces in place may seem like a daunting task. As you prepare to review your estate plan it may be helpful to consult with a professional who can aid in making those informed decisions.

David Kanongataa, Financial Advisor CUSO Financial Services, L.P. at Ventura County Credit Union can help ensure that your financial assets are positioned in a way that is consistent with your current needs, risk tolerance and long-term goals. Contact him at 805/ 477-4032 or dkanongataa@vccuonline.net.

Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. ("CFS"), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. The Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members. For specific tax advice please consult a qualified tax professional.

Your privacy rightsAt Ventura County Credit Union, protecting your personal financial information is our highest priority. We have not and never will sell member information. In fact, we exceed many of the minimum government standards for protecting your privacy. If you have an account at another financial institution that sells your personal information, the California Financial Information Privacy Act gives you the right to prevent it. We invite you to review our Privacy Policy along with important information regarding privacy protection enclosed with this statement. If you have already completed a request asking us not to share your information with partner companies you do not need to complete a new form.

Goodbye envelopes!New envelope-free ATM deposits
Making a deposit just got easier at VCCU. Our new ATMs, which debuted June 12, 2012 at the Ventura office, will accept deposits with no envelopes. Just insert your check or cash directly into the slot as instructed and you're done.

Your receipt will have an image of your deposit printed on it to verify your transaction.

Click "What's new" for a list of our ATMs and the scheduled installation dates.

Notice for Credit Life/Credit Disability policyholdersThis insurance may not cover an advance or charge under your credit line if your disability or death results from a condition for which you have seen a doctor or chiropractor in the six months before the advance or charge. Credit card balances are not subject to the Credit Life and Credit Disability Pre-existing Medical Condition provision.

Backpacks for KidsIn a few short weeks, students will be headed back to school. For many families the budget can’t stretch to include new school supplies. Ventura County Credit Union will be teaming up with local organizations to collect school supplies to be distributed through THRIVES and School on Wheels, to teachers, schools and students who need them. From July 15 through August 31 there will be collection boxes in each of our offices for the supplies. When you are out shopping for your family, pick up a few extra items and drop them off at any VCCU office. Please, only new items are accepted.

Giving back to our local communityVCCU has always had a long history of giving back to our local community through the volunteer efforts of our employees. Our employees and their families have given over 1,000 volunteer hours in local community events throughout the county. Activities that our employees have recently participated in include: Ventura's Relay for Life, Ventura Family YMCA Healthy Kids Day, FOOD Share, Simi Valley Street Fair and many more.

Here's a look at some of the activities that took place throughout the county.

If you have an organization that is looking for corporate support, please contact Natalie Bradley, Community Development Manager at 805/ 477-4042 or nbradley@vccuonline.net.